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Published on: 11/14/2025
How does alcohol or smoking affect sleep apnea?
Drinking alcohol and smoking can make sleep apnea worse by increasing snoring and breathing problems during sleep.
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Explanation
Alcohol and smoking can have a negative impact on sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, which can make snoring and sleep apnea worse. This can lead to more breathing problems during the night. Smoking can also make sleep apnea worse because it irritates the airways, causing swelling and blockage.
Effects of Alcohol:
- Muscle Relaxation: Alcohol relaxes throat muscles, leading to more snoring and breathing interruptions.
Effects of Smoking:
- Airway Irritation: Smoking causes swelling in the airways, making it harder to breathe during sleep.
Avoiding alcohol and not smoking can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea and improve sleep quality.
(References)
- Burgos-Sanchez C, Jones NN, Avillion M, Gibson SJ, Patel JA, Neighbors J, et al. (2020). Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Snoring and Sleep Apnea. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 32513091.
- Gunes FE, Agan K, Aktac S, Karadeniz D, Sunter G, Vural E, & Benbir-Senel G. (2024). Assessment of Impact of Dietary Patterns on Obstructive .... Sleep science (Sao Paulo, Brazil), 38545237.
- Bjorvatn B, Rajakulendren N, Lehmann S, & Pallesen S. (2018). Increased severity of obstructive sleep apnea is associated .... Journal of sleep research, 29193447.
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